Preparation Isn’t Extra—It’s Everything (Especially on Whatnot)
You know that feeling when you’re rushing out the door, baby on your hip, hair half-done, and someone casually says, “You should’ve planned ahead”?
Yeah… that used to be me—until I learned the hard way that winging it rarely works.
Especially in business.
Let’s Start Here: Whatnot Isn’t Magic
A lot of new sellers sign up, list a few things, and go live hoping for magic.
But Whatnot isn’t magic—it’s a marketplace.
And marketplaces reward preparation.
In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I prepped before ever going live—and how it helped me grow fast, even while raising four kids, juggling bedtime, breastfeeding, and figuring it all out from my kitchen in Las Vegas (the “ninth island,” if you know you know).
Why “Just Winging It” Doesn’t Work
I’ve tried winging it before.
Not just in business—but in life.
And listen, it never goes how you think it will.
So when I got serious about Whatnot, I decided: no guessing, no fumbling—I was going to study first.
I watched top sellers in my niche. I took notes. I joined chats. I watched replays. I reverse engineered everything they were doing—from how they introduced items, to how long they stayed live, to how they handled quiet moments.
Because Whatnot isn’t a talent show. It’s interactive retail.
And you’ve gotta show up ready if you want people to stick around.
Here’s a True Story: My Baby Was My Practice Buddy
I practiced transitions out loud in my kitchen.
I had my baby strapped to me in a carrier.
And I’d say things like, “Okay y’all, that was item #3. Let’s move on to a size 8 align legging.”
Then I’d walk across the room like it was real.
I had a rough script. A show outline.
I timed myself, tested lighting, rehearsed live mode.
And when I did go live?
I was nervous— but I was ready.
Why Prep Changes Everything
Here’s what good preparation actually does for your show:
It respects your buyer’s time
It minimizes awkward silences and fumbling
It makes you feel confident
It lets you connect instead of stress
I’ve done shows where I “just got on and winged it”—and they didn’t perform nearly as well.
When I prepped?
Sales went up. Viewers stayed longer. The whole vibe shifted.
Step-by-Step: My Whatnot Prep Routine
Whether you’re brand new or just want smoother shows, here’s my go-to prep process:
Sign up to sell: Whatnot seller link
Watch a few live shows and take notes
Write a loose script (intro, transitions, closing)
Tag each item visibly and number them
Test your lighting: ring light, or full soft lighting kit
Run a quick rehearsal in practice mode
Set up shipping station: Rollo printer, shipping scale, poly bags
It might feel like a lot at first—but it becomes second nature fast. And it makes your live sales feel smooth, polished, and confident.
FAQs – Let’s Clear These Up
Q: Do I need all this gear to start?
A: No! But a good ring light and a rack to organize clothes can make a HUGE difference. Start simple.
Q: Can I sell without followers?
A: Yes. I did. Just use this link to get started and learn as you go.
Q: Do I need a script?
A: Not word-for-word—but yes. Know your flow: how you’ll start, what you’ll say between items, and how you’ll close.
Q: What shipping gear do you use?
A: I use the WiFi Rollo, white poly bags, Rollo paper, and this shipping scale. All linked in case you need it.
Let Me Take You Back: That First $25 Flip
In 2019, I flipped a $25 wedding dress and made $50.
That was the beginning of everything.
From that little win, I reinvested and built.
No followers. No team. Just consistency, study, and love for the process.
Today, I run RR Supply from my home. I’ve hit five-figure months. I still breastfeed during some of my shows.
I still prep like that girl in the kitchen talking to her baby strapped to her chest.
Because preparation? It never stops being the key.
Now You Tell Me: Have You Ever Winged It?
What’s one time you skipped the prep—and immediately regretted it?
Could be a live sale, a business decision, a birthday party…
Come tell me in the RR Supply Facebook group.
Let’s learn (and laugh) together.
Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate or referral links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Connect With RR Supply
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📧 Email: info@rrsupply.com
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